Michael Flanigan 1814=1895

FLANIGAN, MCQUILLEN

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 4/8/2020 at 08:21:32

Michael Flanigan

After a long life of usefulness and purpose, the venerable and respected citizen, Michael Flanigan, for fifty-three years a resident of Washington township, paid the debt of nature last Saturday evening at the family homestead about six miles south of Cascade. For the past several years he had been in feeble health; owing to his advanced years, and on four occasions suffered severe paralytic strokes. Just after the death of his wife, which occurred in April last, he was seized with one of these spells but rallied with remarkable vigor, although visibly weakened by the painful visitations. The last attack which closed his earthly career came on Thursday last and in his enfeebled condition he rapidly sank never to revive.

In the season of the sere and yellow leaf, when the closing days of another passing year grow short and the fainting rays of the sun fell coldly aslant the earth, in perfect harmony with the process of nature, this aged and goodly man faded silently from the world. He leaves a memory to be revered by his children and honored by his neighbors. In the prime and vigor of his life he was a stalwart in physique, heart, and mind, and as a pioneer in a new country was the refuge of his family, the friend of the poor and needy, and a potential factor in the subsequent civilizing and development of the community in which he settled. He loved the section that by honest toil he wrought from a wilderness to smiling and fruitful fields, so much so, that for over a half a century he was content to dwell there, surrounded by his children and kindred, a patriarch enjoying the blessings that come of upright living, and in the end, like the ripened sheaf, was garnered by the Master Hand to that happy eternity where his faith assured him a crown of glory.

Mr. Flanigan was born in the county of Longford, Ireland, October 31, 1814, and at the age of 25 emigrated to the United States. He landed in New York and later relocated to Maryland, where he resided for three years. In 1842 he moved westward and settled in Washington township and built with his own hands one of the first cabins in the section, six years before Iowa became a state. This humble piece of architecture still stands as a memorial of the hardy pioneer's early struggles in the undeveloped country. By his frugality and industry he acquired a competency, evidenced in the acres surrounding his homestead. He was married two years previous to his coming to Iowa, and on April 9, of this year, his wife died. Three children were born to them: Mrs. George McQuillen, James E. and M. B. Flanigan.

The funeral services were held in St Peter's church, Temple Hill, Monday morning and a Requiem High Mass was celebrated, in which solemn office the Rev. Father Lonegran, of Fillmore, was celebrant; and assisted by Rev. Fathers L. Roche, of Cascade; Weinholdt, of Cascade, and McCauley, of South Garryowen. Sister Innocence of the parish school, presided at the organ, and Misses Julia, Libbie and Rose Supple sang the mass for the dead, and the beautiful solemn hymn

"Oh, Grave where is thy victory.
Oh, Death where is thy sting."

which they rendered in a very touching and sympathetic manner. The funeral was the largest ever held in Temple Hill, and attested the high esteem in which the deceased was held by neighbors and friends.